Antwerp Euroterminal (AET) installs the first shore power connection for seagoing vessels in Belgium. Shore power supplies moored ships in the port with electricity in an environmentally friendly and quiet way and therefore plays an important role in the greening of ports. The installation will be operational in 2026 and is the first in Belgium for seagoing vessels, built according to international ISO standards.
First for Belgium
With shore power, moored ships can be connected to the local electricity grid via a 'socket' on the quay. This reduces emissions of CO2, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides and particulate matter and contributes to better local air quality and less environmental noise. ? Two fixed shore power connections are being installed at the Antwerp Euroterminal (AET) for car carriers and conro ships. AET is the largest multipurpose terminal in Europe and one of the 24 terminals of the Grimaldi Group. Although the European obligation to provide container ships with shore-based power by 2030 does not apply to ro-ro and con-ro ships, AET has consciously chosen to do so anyway. This makes them the first terminal in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges - and in Belgium - to supply a "future-proof" fixed shore power installation for seagoing vessels, which is built beyond current EU regulations and directives.
HOPaS (High voltage Onshore Power As a Service), a technology and services consortium consisting of Techelec, Yuso and Whitewood, will be responsible for the investment, installation and operation ( www.hopas.eu ). Port of Antwerp-Bruges acts as a facilitator for the rollout of shore power in the terminal.
Green shore power
The installation provides 2 shore connections with a total capacity of 5MW, mainly for Grimaldi's new ro-ro ships. The commissioned projects involve an investment of 25 to 30 million euros, for which the Flemish Agency for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (VLAIO) has awarded a subsidy of 4 million euros. The installation will be operational in 2026 and is designed for future expansion to allow additional ships to be connected. The 100% green energy is initially produced by wind turbines that are installed and operated by Wind aan de Stroom. The need for additional capacity will be compensated by solar panels and additional wind turbines. The green energy produced is stored in a large battery system to optimize the use of the generated electricity.
A greener port
For Port of Antwerp-Bruges, shore power is an important part of the greening of the port. There are already numerous connection points for shore power available for barges and tugs, and in Zeebrugge shore power will be available for cruise ships from 2026. Port of Antwerp-Bruges is also committed to providing shore power for the largest container ships by 2028.
Annick De Ridder, chairman of the board of directors of Port of Antwerp-Bruges : 'Shore power is a very efficient measure to reduce emissions and is essential for our sustainable ambitions as a world port. This first shore power installation for deep-sea ships will be installed in the Antwerp Euroterminal and will be operational from 2026. This project, which was made possible by the generous support of a subsidy from the Flemish Agency for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (VLAIO), is a good example of how we, as the economic engine of Flanders, pioneer, innovate and work on the port together with the industry of the future. ? It is also a good example of the role of facilitator that we take on.'
Yves De Larivičre, CEO of Antwerp Euroterminal: 'We already have plugs for our e-bikes, cars and soon also trucks. Connecting our ships is the next big step. This solution opens a door to a new dimension in AET and Grimaldi's environmentally friendly focus.'
Andrea D'Ambra, Grimaldi Group: 'The Grimaldi Group is widely recognized as a pioneer in decarbonising the maritime sector. We are therefore very focused on reducing the impact of our fleet's emissions, both while sailing and in port. It is no secret that the "Zero Emission in Port" project, launched in 2018, has led to the installation of large battery packs on board some of our ships with the aim of achieving zero emissions, zero smoke and zero noise while they are moored at the quay, even if no shore connection is yet available. In addition to the 16 ships in operation and the 12 under construction, all of which are equipped with battery packs, we now already have 9 ships that are suitable for shore power. Furthermore, 38 ships (including newbuilds) will be equipped with AMP (Alternative Marine Power) and ready for connection by 2026. We are therefore enthusiastic about this new project that will start in AET, our largest terminal. Our ships can use green energy during their stay in port and our group can continue to make progress in decarbonizing its operations.”
Nicolas Broos, partner in the HOPaS consortium: ' Green is not only the color of hope, but is also associated with nature, growth and innovation.'
